According to the latest figures of the National Statistical Institute (NSI) released on12 January, Bulgaria registered a monthly deflation of 0.7 % in March. The index of consumer prices in March was 99.3 % compared to the previous month.
Bulgaria has registered a deflation of 1 % since the beginning of year, while there has been an annual deflation of 1.5 % compared to March last year.
In March, the prices of food products and soft drinks decreased by 0.9 % and those of clothing and shoes dropped by 1.1 % compared to the previous month.
There was also decrease in the prices of furniture and domestic appliances by 0.2 %, transport by 1.7 %, messages by 1.9 %, culture and entertainment by 0.9 %, restaurant and hotel services by 0.2 %.
The prices of alcohol drinks and tobacco products increased by 0.1 %, while those of housing and utility bills as well as education retained their level from the previous month.
Decrease was registered in the prices of the following food products: flour, bread, pork and poultry meat, mince, eggs, yoghurt, white and yellow cheese, sunflower oil, tomatoes, cucumbers, leaf vegetables, beans, vinegar, fresh herbal spices, coffee and beer.
At the same time, the prices of the following food products increased: pasta, fish, milk, apples, citrus and southern fruits, cabbage, peppers, garlic, potatoes, carrots, lentil, sugar, salt, fruit juices and rakia.
As regards non-food products and services, there was decrease in the prices of clothing and shoes, furniture, washing machines, TV sets, personal computers, gas and liquid fuels for domestic needs, diesel fuel, A95H and A98H petrol, passenger air transport, short-term accommodation services, cosmetic products, cinema, theatre and concert tickets.
At the same time, the prices of cigarettes, coal and wood for heating, refrigerators and freezers, cookers, heating appliances, cleaning products and detergents and personal hygiene products all increased.
Medical products became cheaper in March, the prices of medical services increased, while those of dental services retained their level from February.
